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Plants, Volume 11, Issue 13 (July-1 2022) – 165 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Geraniol is a potential stimulant for improving anthocyanin accumulation in grape berry skin through ABA membrane transport. Each bunch of field-grown grapevines was covered with a grape protective bag containing the geraniol-treated polymer at veraison. The bunches were exposed to geraniol vapor emitted by the polymer in the bag from veraison to harvest. Geraniol-treated bunches showed enhanced anthocyanin accumulation in berry skins at harvest (50 days after treatment). We also demonstrated that geraniol-triggered anthocyanin accumulation in grape berry skin involves ABA membrane transport, not ABA biosynthesis. View this paper
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25 pages, 2551 KiB  
Article
Ethnoveterinary Practices and Ethnobotanical Knowledge on Plants Used against Cattle Diseases among Two Communities in South Africa
by Mompati Vincent Chakale, John Awungnjia Asong, Madeleen Struwig, Mulunda Mwanza and Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1784; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131784 - 05 Jul 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2880
Abstract
Ethnoveterinary practices and ethnobotanical knowledge serve as potential therapeutic approaches used to manage and prevent cattle diseases within poor communities in developing nations. Most of the knowledge and practices remain inadequately documented and threatened with extinction in the future. This study aimed to [...] Read more.
Ethnoveterinary practices and ethnobotanical knowledge serve as potential therapeutic approaches used to manage and prevent cattle diseases within poor communities in developing nations. Most of the knowledge and practices remain inadequately documented and threatened with extinction in the future. This study aimed to explore the ethnoveterinary practices and knowledge on plants used to treat cattle diseases in two communities of the Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality, South Africa. A semi-structured interview guide, snowball, and purposive technique were used to collect data and recruit 90 participants. Three ethnobotanical indices (informant consensus factor (Fic), use-value (UV), and relative frequency of citation (RFC) were used for quantitative analysis. A total of 64 medicinal plants from 32 families (dominated by Compositae, Fabaceae, and Asparagaceae) were used to treat 27 cattle diseases. The plants with a high frequency of citation and RFC were Gomphocarpus fruticosus (75, 0.83), Opuntia ficus-indica (74, 0.82), Schkuhria pinnata and Portulaca oleracea (73, 0.81), Solanum lichtensteinii (70, 0.77), and Senna italica. In addition, Schkuhria pinnata and Aloe greatheadii (0.077) had the highest UV. About 28.13% of 64 identified plants were documented as ethnoveterinary medicine for treating cattle ailments, for the first time. The remedies were mainly either prepared as a decoction (52.04%), ground, or prepared as an infusion (16.33%). The plants were administered either orally (69.79%) or topically (30.2%). The ailments with a high frequency of citations were: wounds and constipation (76); arthralgia and retained placenta (69); and lumpy skin disease (68). The categories with the highest number of plants used were gastrointestinal problems (53), skin problems (33), respiratory problems (25), and fertility/reproduction disorders (21). The highest Fic score was cited for tick-borne diseases (1), followed by musculoskeletal systems (Fic = 0.89), and general system infection (Fic = 0.88). The current findings contribute to the documentation and preservation of valuable knowledge from indigenous communities for extensive use. Additionally, ethnoveterinary uses of Portulaca oleracea, Securidaca longipedunculata, and Plumbago zeylanica were recorded for the first time. Further scientific evaluation of the most cited and indigenous/native plants is recommended to establish their therapeutic potential and possible integration into the conventional veterinary sector for the welfare of cattle. Full article
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20 pages, 782 KiB  
Article
Use of Repeated Measures Data Analysis for Field Trials with Annual and Perennial Crops
by Paulo Pagliari, Fernando Shintate Galindo, Jeffrey Strock and Carl Rosen
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1783; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131783 - 05 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1818
Abstract
Field studies conducted over time to collect any type of plant response to a set of treatments are often not treated as repeated measures data. The most used approaches for statistical analyses of this type of longitudinal data are based on separate analyses [...] Read more.
Field studies conducted over time to collect any type of plant response to a set of treatments are often not treated as repeated measures data. The most used approaches for statistical analyses of this type of longitudinal data are based on separate analyses such as ANOVA, regression, or time contrasts. In many instances, during the review of manuscripts, reviewers have asked researchers to treat year, for example, as a random effect and ignore the interactions between year and other main effects. One drawback of this approach is that the correlation between measurements taken on the same subject over time is ignored. Here, we show that avoiding the covariance between measurements can induce erroneous (e.g., no differences reported when they exist, or differences reported when they actually do not exist) inference of treatment effects. Another issue that has received little attention for statistical inference of multi-year field experiments is the combination of fixed, random, and repeated measurement effects in the same statistical model. This type of analysis requires a more in-depth understanding of modeling error terms and how the statistical software used translates the statistical language of the given command into mathematical computations. Ignoring possible significant interactions among repeated, fixed, and random effects might lead to an erroneous interpretation of the data set. In this manuscript, we use data from two field experiments that were repeated during two and three consecutive years on the same plots to illustrate different modeling strategies and graphical tools with an emphasis on the use of mixed modeling techniques with repeated measures. Full article
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15 pages, 1045 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Thymus vulgaris L. Hydrolate Solutions on the Seed Germination, Seedling Length, and Oxidative Stress of Some Cultivated and Weed Species
by Bojan Konstantinović, Milena Popov, Nataša Samardžić, Milica Aćimović, Jovana Šućur Elez, Tijana Stojanović, Marina Crnković and Miloš Rajković
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1782; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131782 - 05 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1479
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the hydrolates obtained as the by-products of the Thymus vulgaris essential oil steam distillation process. The bioassays, which were undertaken in order to determine the effect on germination and initial growth of [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the hydrolates obtained as the by-products of the Thymus vulgaris essential oil steam distillation process. The bioassays, which were undertaken in order to determine the effect on germination and initial growth of seedlings of some cultivated and weed species, were performed under controlled conditions with different concentrations of the hydrolates. Seeds of Glycine max, Helianthus annuus, Zea mays, Triticum aestivum, Daucus carota subsp. sativus, Allium cepa, Medicago sativa, and Trifolium repens, and six weed species—Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Portulaca oleracea, Echinochloa crus-galli, Sorghum halepense, and Solanum nigrum—were treated with 10, 20, 50, and 100% T. vulgaris hydrolate solution. The obtained results showed that the T. vulgaris hydrolate had the least negative effect on the germination of cultivated species, such as soybean, sunflower and maize, whereas clover and alfalfa were the most sensitive. By comparison, all the tested weed species expressed high susceptibility. It can be concluded that the T. vulgaris hydrolate has an herbicidal effect, in addition to its potential as a biopesticide in terms of integrated weed management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Alternative Measures in Plant Protection)
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16 pages, 2104 KiB  
Article
Response Mechanisms of “Hass” Avocado to Sequential 1–methylcyclopropene Applications at Different Maturity Stages during Cold Storage
by Daniela Olivares, Miguel García-Rojas, Pablo A. Ulloa, Aníbal Riveros, Romina Pedreschi, Reinaldo Campos-Vargas, Claudio Meneses and Bruno G. Defilippi
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1781; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131781 - 05 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1738
Abstract
1–Methylcyclopropene (1–MCP) is used for extending the postharvest life of the avocado during storage. Evaluated the effect of 1–MCP application at different times after harvest, i.e., 0, 7, 14, and 21 d at 5 °C, to identify the threshold of the ethylene inhibition [...] Read more.
1–Methylcyclopropene (1–MCP) is used for extending the postharvest life of the avocado during storage. Evaluated the effect of 1–MCP application at different times after harvest, i.e., 0, 7, 14, and 21 d at 5 °C, to identify the threshold of the ethylene inhibition response in “Hass” avocado. Our results showed that fruits from two maturity stages at harvest: low dry matter (20–23%) and high dry matter (27%). Changes in ethylene production rates and transcript accumulation of genes involved in ethylene metabolism were measured at harvest and during storage. 1–MCP treated fruit up to 14 d of storage showed similar values of firmness and skin color as fruit treated at harvest time. In contrast, when the application was performed after 21 d, the fruit showed ripening attributes similar to those of the untreated ones. To further understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for the lack of response to 1–MCP at 21 d of storage, transcriptomic analysis was performed. Gene ontology analyses based on the DEG analysis showed enrichment of transcripts involved in the ‘response to ethylene’ for both maturity stages. All genes evaluated showed similar expression profiles induced by cold storage time, with a peak at 21 d of storage and an increased softening of the fruit and peel color. This was a two-year field study, and results were consistent across the two experimental years. Our results should help growers and markets in selecting the optimal timing of 1–MCP application in “Hass” avocados and should contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the avocado ripening process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Hormone Signaling Regulation and Metabolites in Fruits)
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15 pages, 4951 KiB  
Article
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Induce Tolerance to Salinity Stress in Taro Plantlets (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) during Acclimatization
by Obdulia Baltazar-Bernal, José Luis Spinoso-Castillo, Eucario Mancilla-Álvarez and Jericó Jabín Bello-Bello
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1780; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131780 - 05 Jul 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2099
Abstract
Soil salinity is a problem that affects soil fertility and threatens agri-food crop production worldwide. Biotechnology, through plant micropropagation and the use of biofertilizers such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), is an alternative to increase productivity and induce tolerance to salinity stress in [...] Read more.
Soil salinity is a problem that affects soil fertility and threatens agri-food crop production worldwide. Biotechnology, through plant micropropagation and the use of biofertilizers such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), is an alternative to increase productivity and induce tolerance to salinity stress in different crops. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different doses of the fungus Glomus intraradices on the ex vitro development of taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott cv. Criolla) plantlets under salinity stress during the acclimatization stage. In vitro-obtained C. esculenta plantlets were inoculated at different doses (0, 100, and 200 spores per plantlet) of G. intraradices during acclimatization. At 60 d of acclimatization in the greenhouse, plantlets were exposed to 100 mM NaCl salinity stress for 10 d. After the stress period, plantlet development, colonization percentage, and biomass were evaluated. In addition, the content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, proteins, proline, glycine-betaine, soluble phenols, and antioxidant capacity were quantified. The results showed differences in the developmental, physiological, and biochemical variables evaluated; however, no changes in total protein content were observed. Spore colonization showed that the symbiotic association has positive effects on the development of plantlets with or without salinity stress. This symbiotic interaction contributes to salinity stress tolerance in C. esculenta plantlets. The early application of AMF in in vitro-obtained taro plantlets is an alternative to increase or maintain the productivity of this crop in saline soils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Salinity Stress Tolerance in Plants)
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12 pages, 1161 KiB  
Article
Deciphering the Genetic Inheritance of Tocopherols in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss)
by Vijay Kamal Meena, Yashpal Taak, Rajat Chaudhary, Subhash Chand, Manoj Kumar Patel, Vignesh Muthusamy, Sangita Yadav, Navinder Saini, Sujata Vasudev and Devendra Kumar Yadava
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1779; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131779 - 05 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1672
Abstract
Tocopherol is vital for the nutritional value and stability of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss) oil; nonetheless, the lack of information on genetic control is hampering its improvement. In this study, six populations (P1, P2, [...] Read more.
Tocopherol is vital for the nutritional value and stability of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss) oil; nonetheless, the lack of information on genetic control is hampering its improvement. In this study, six populations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1P1, and BC1P2) of RLC3 × NPJ203 were evaluated in a family block design to evaluate the inheritance pattern, gene effects, and various other genetic parameters of tocopherol content (α, γ, and total), using generation mean analysis. The comparison of direct and reciprocal crosses indicated that the tocopherol content was not influenced by maternal inheritance. Negative directional heterosis showed that ATC, GTC, and TTC are governed by recessive genes. Potence ratio and degree of dominance highlighted an over-dominance type of gene interaction for GTC and TTC, whereas ATC was governed by epistatic interactions. Furthermore, the six-parameter model revealed a duplicate gene action for α-tocopherol content. Broad and narrow sense heritability coupled with genetic advances were high. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development and Genetic Improvement in Brassica Crops)
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11 pages, 942 KiB  
Article
Development of Microsatellite Markers for Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevis.) Sch. Bip., a Plant with a Large and Highly Repetitive Genome
by Filip Varga, Zlatko Liber, Jernej Jakše, Ante Turudić, Zlatko Šatović, Ivan Radosavljević, Nina Jeran and Martina Grdiša
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1778; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131778 - 05 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1511
Abstract
Dalmatian pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevis.) Sch. Bip.) is an outcrossing plant species (2n = 18) endemic to the eastern Adriatic coast and source of the natural insecticide pyrethrin. Due to the high repeatability and large genome (1C-value = 9.58 pg) our previous [...] Read more.
Dalmatian pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevis.) Sch. Bip.) is an outcrossing plant species (2n = 18) endemic to the eastern Adriatic coast and source of the natural insecticide pyrethrin. Due to the high repeatability and large genome (1C-value = 9.58 pg) our previous attempts to develop microsatellite markers using the traditional method were unsuccessful. Now we have used Illumina paired-end whole genome sequencing and developed a specific procedure to obtain useful microsatellite markers. A total of 796,130,142 high-quality reads (approx. 12.5× coverage) were assembled into 6,909,675 contigs using two approaches (de novo assembly and joining of overlapped pair-end reads). A total of 31,380 contigs contained one or more microsatellite sequences, of which di-(59.7%) and trinucleotide (25.9%) repeats were the most abundant. Contigs containing microsatellites were filtered according to various criteria to achieve better yield of functional markers. After two rounds of testing, 17 microsatellite markers were developed and characterized in one natural population. Twelve loci were selected for preliminary genetic diversity analysis of three natural populations. Neighbor-joining tree, based on the proportion of shared alleles distances, grouped individuals into clusters according to population affiliation. The availability of codominant SSR markers will allow analysis of genetic diversity and structure of natural Dalmatian pyrethrum populations as well as identification of breeding lines and cultivars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Molecular Breeding)
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11 pages, 2441 KiB  
Article
Seed Germination Ecology of Semiparasitic Weed Pedicularis kansuensis in Alpine Grasslands
by Jiedong Hu, Kaihui Li, Chengjun Deng, Yanming Gong, Yanyan Liu and Lei Wang
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1777; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131777 - 05 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1430
Abstract
The semiparasitic weed Pedicularis kansuensis Maxim. has rapidly spread in the alpine grasslands of northern China over the past twenty years and has caused serious ecological problems. In order to effectively halt the spread of this weed, a thorough understanding of the dormancy [...] Read more.
The semiparasitic weed Pedicularis kansuensis Maxim. has rapidly spread in the alpine grasslands of northern China over the past twenty years and has caused serious ecological problems. In order to effectively halt the spread of this weed, a thorough understanding of the dormancy type and the seed-germination ecology of P. kansuensis is required. We have conducted a series of experiments to investigate the effects of plant growth regulators (gibberellin (GA3) and strigolactone synthesis (GR24)), as well as different abiotic (temperature, light, cold stratification, and drought) and biotic (aqueous extracts of three native dominant plants) factors on the seed-germination characteristics of P. kansuensis. The seed-germination percentages ranged from 2% to 62% at all of the temperatures that were examined, with the highest occurring at 25/10 °C. The light conditions did not significantly affect the germination percentage. The seed germination was greatly improved after two to eight weeks of cold stratification. The seed germination decreased dramatically with an increasing polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) concentration, from 55% to 0%, under 10% and 20% PEG-6000. The seed germination was improved at a proper concentration of GA3, GR24, and the aqueous extracts of Festuca ovina L., Stipa purpurea L., and Leymus secalinus (Georgi) Tzvel. Furthermore, in the pot experiment, the seedling emergence of P. kansuensis was also improved by the cultivation of these three dominant grasses. These findings indicate that the dormancy type of P. kansuensis seeds is non-deep physiological dormancy, and such findings will help in paving the way for the creation of effective weed management strategies, based on a thorough knowledge of germination ecology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alpine Ecosystems in a Changing World)
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16 pages, 3320 KiB  
Article
Identification and Expression Analysis of Stilbene Synthase Genes in Arachis hypogaea in Response to Methyl Jasmonate and Salicylic Acid Induction
by Zuhra Qayyum, Fatima Noureen, Maryam Khan, Marrium Khan, Ghulam Haider, Faiza Munir, Alvina Gul and Rabia Amir
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1776; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131776 - 05 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1589
Abstract
Stilbene synthase is an important enzyme of the phenylpropanoid pathway, regulating the production of several biologically active stilbenoids. These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. However, the detailed characterization of stilbene synthase genes in Arachis hypogaea has not yet been performed. In [...] Read more.
Stilbene synthase is an important enzyme of the phenylpropanoid pathway, regulating the production of several biologically active stilbenoids. These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. However, the detailed characterization of stilbene synthase genes in Arachis hypogaea has not yet been performed. In this study, the comprehensive characterization of stilbene synthase genes in A. hypogaea was conducted, commencing with identification, phylogenetic analysis, and study of their expression in response to exogenous hormonal treatment. We identified and isolated five AhSTSs genes and recorded their expression pattern in peanut (BARD-479) in response to methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and salicylic acid (SA) treatment. The presence of Chal_sti_synt, ACP_syn_III, and FAE1_CUT1_rppA domains in all AhSTSs indicated their role in the biosynthesis of stilbene and lipid metabolism. Cis-regulatory element analysis indicated their role in light responsiveness, defense responses, regulation of seed development, plant growth, and development. Despite close structural and functional similarities, expression and correlational analysis suggested that these genes may have a specific role in peanut, as individual AhSTS exhibited differential expression upon hormonal treatment in a genotype dependent manner. Further studies on functional characterization involving the transcriptional regulation of AhSTSs can clearly explain the differential expression of stilbene synthase genes to hormonal treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Molecular Biology)
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16 pages, 4124 KiB  
Article
Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid to Mitigate Water Stress in Tomato
by Eduardo Santana Aires, Andrew Kim Lopes Ferraz, Beatriz Lívero Carvalho, Fabricio Palla Teixeira, Fernando Ferrari Putti, Emanuele Possas de Souza, João Domingos Rodrigues and Elizabeth Orika Ono
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1775; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131775 - 05 Jul 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3388
Abstract
Salicylic acid (SA) is an important plant regulator reported as a mitigator of water deficit in plants, however without a recommendation for use in field conditions. Thus, this research aims to validate the use of SA under field conditions in regions with low [...] Read more.
Salicylic acid (SA) is an important plant regulator reported as a mitigator of water deficit in plants, however without a recommendation for use in field conditions. Thus, this research aims to validate the use of SA under field conditions in regions with low water availability. For that, we evaluated CO2 assimilation (A), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration (E), water use efficiency (WUE), and carboxylation efficiency (A/Ci) at 15, 30, and 45 days of continuous stress water deficit, as well as the application of salicylic acid (0.0; 0.5; 1.0; 1.5; 2.0 mM) in tomato plants subjected to continuous water deficit (45 days), in two years (2019 and 2020). The water deficit reduced the A, gs, E and A/Ci, while the foliar application of SA increased these parameters in all evaluated times, resulting in similar or even higher values than in plants without water deficit. Water deficit caused floral abortion in tomato plants, without the application of SA, reducing the number of fruit production. In contrast, plants that received about 1.3 mM of SA increased A and A/Ci and translocated the photo-assimilates, mainly to flowers and fruits, reducing floral abortion and increasing fruit production. Thus, foliar application of SA was efficient in mitigating the deleterious effects of water deficit in tomato plants regarding the gas exchange and fruit production. Full article
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13 pages, 871 KiB  
Article
Genetic Analysis in Grain Legumes [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] for Yield Improvement and Identifying Heterotic Hybrids
by Md. Golam Azam, Umakanta Sarker, Md. Amir Hossain, Md. Shahin Iqbal, Md. Rafiqul Islam, Md. Faruk Hossain, Sezai Ercisli, Raziye Kul, Amine Assouguem, Arwa Abdulkreem AL-Huqail, Hanan R. H. Mohamed and Ilaria Peluso
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1774; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131774 - 04 Jul 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1851
Abstract
Six mungbean parental lines and their fifteen F1s produced from half-diallel mating design were investigated for combining ability and heterosis in terms of a yield and its components. Results showed highly significant variations among the parents and F1s, suggesting [...] Read more.
Six mungbean parental lines and their fifteen F1s produced from half-diallel mating design were investigated for combining ability and heterosis in terms of a yield and its components. Results showed highly significant variations among the parents and F1s, suggesting a wide genetic variability for the studied characters. Analysis of variance indicated that genotypes mean square values, general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) for all measured traits except for days to flowering, days to maturity, and pod length indicating genetic diversity of parents and both additive and non-additive gene effects in the inheritance of the measured traits. A higher effect of SCA than GCA for plant height and seeds per pod suggests the preponderance of non-additive gene effects in the expression of characters. Based on per se performance and GCA, BARI Mung-1, PS-7, and BMXK1-14004 were the best general combiners for yield per plant. In the context of SCA, hybrids BMXK1-14004 × Sonali mung, BMXK1-14004 × PS-7, BMXK1-14004 × BINA Mung-8, Sukumar × PS-7, and BARI Mung-1 × BINA Mung-8 were good specific combiners. BMXK1-14004 × Sonali mung and BMXK1-14004 × PS-7 were the best heterotic hybrids for yield and yield-contributing traits. These parents and crosses could be utilized for further use in breeding programs to improve yields in mungbean crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Genetics and Breeding of Grain Crops)
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12 pages, 1130 KiB  
Review
An Interplay of Light and Smoke Compounds in Photoblastic Seeds
by Renata Bączek-Kwinta
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1773; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131773 - 04 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2104
Abstract
Light increases the germinability of positively photoblastic seeds and inhibits the germination of negative ones. In an area where plant-generated smoke from fire is a periodically occurring environmental factor, smoke chemicals can affect the germination of seeds, including those that are photoblastically sensitive. [...] Read more.
Light increases the germinability of positively photoblastic seeds and inhibits the germination of negative ones. In an area where plant-generated smoke from fire is a periodically occurring environmental factor, smoke chemicals can affect the germination of seeds, including those that are photoblastically sensitive. Moreover, as smoke and its compounds, mostly karrikin 1, KAR1, have been used for priming the seeds of many species, including photoblastic ones, a systematic review of papers dealing with the phenomenon was conducted. The review indicates that the unification of experimental treatments (light spectrum, intensity and photoperiod, and KAR1 concentration within the species) could improve the quality of global research on the impact of smoke chemicals on photoblastic seeds, also at the molecular level. The review also reveals that the physiologically active concentration of KAR1 varies in different species. Moreover, the physiological window of KAR’s impact on germination can be narrow due to different depths of primary seed dormancy. Another concern is the mode of action of different smoke sources and formulations (aerosol smoke, smoke-saturated water), or pure smoke chemicals. The reason for this concern is the additive or synergetic effect of KARs, cyanohydrins, nitrates and other compounds, and the presence of a germination inhibitor, trimethylbutenolide (TMB) in smoke and its formulations. Obviously, environmental factors that are characteristic of the local environment need to be considered. From a practical perspective, seeds germinating faster in response to smoke chemicals can outcompete other seeds. Hence, a thorough understanding of this phenomenon can be useful in the restoration of plant habitats and the protection of rare species, as well as yielding an improvement in plants that are sown directly to the field. On the other hand, the application of smoke compounds can induce “suicidal germination” in the photoblastic seeds that are buried in the soil and deplete the soil seed bank of the local population of unwanted species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Smoke on Plant Biology and Ecology)
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22 pages, 2425 KiB  
Review
Genes Impacting Grain Weight and Number in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ssp. aestivum)
by Brandon J. Tillett, Caleb O. Hale, John M. Martin and Michael J. Giroux
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1772; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131772 - 04 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2424
Abstract
The primary goal of common wheat (T. aestivum) breeding is increasing yield without negatively impacting the agronomic traits or product quality. Genetic approaches to improve the yield increasingly target genes that impact the grain weight and number. An energetic trade-off exists [...] Read more.
The primary goal of common wheat (T. aestivum) breeding is increasing yield without negatively impacting the agronomic traits or product quality. Genetic approaches to improve the yield increasingly target genes that impact the grain weight and number. An energetic trade-off exists between the grain weight and grain number, the result of which is that most genes that increase the grain weight also decrease the grain number. QTL associated with grain weight and number have been identified throughout the hexaploid wheat genome, leading to the discovery of numerous genes that impact these traits. Genes that have been shown to impact these traits will be discussed in this review, including TaGNI, TaGW2, TaCKX6, TaGS5, TaDA1, WAPO1, and TaRht1. As more genes impacting the grain weight and number are characterized, the opportunity is increasingly available to improve common wheat agronomic yield by stacking the beneficial alleles. This review provides a synopsis of the genes that impact grain weight and number, and the most beneficial alleles of those genes with respect to increasing the yield in dryland and irrigated conditions. It also provides insight into some of the genetic mechanisms underpinning the trade-off between grain weight and number and their relationship to the source-to-sink pathway. These mechanisms include the plant size, the water soluble carbohydrate levels in plant tissue, the size and number of pericarp cells, the cytokinin and expansin levels in developing reproductive tissue, floral architecture and floral fertility. Full article
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19 pages, 1092 KiB  
Article
Phenoplasticity of Essential Oils from Two Species of Piper (Piperaceae): Comparing Wild Specimens and Bi-Generational Monoclonal Cultivars
by Ygor Jessé Ramos, Jéssica Sales Felisberto, João Gabriel Gouvêa-Silva, Ulisses Carvalho de Souza, Claudete da Costa-Oliveira, George Azevedo de Queiroz, Elsie Franklin Guimarães, Nicholas John Sadgrove and Davyson de Lima Moreira
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1771; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131771 - 04 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1926
Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that “clonal chemical heritability is a crucial factor for the conservation of chemical uniformity of Piper essential oils in controlled monoclonal cultivation”. We asexually propagated first and second-generation clones of two medicinal and aromatic species, Piper gaudichaudianum Kunth [...] Read more.
This study tested the hypothesis that “clonal chemical heritability is a crucial factor for the conservation of chemical uniformity of Piper essential oils in controlled monoclonal cultivation”. We asexually propagated first and second-generation clones of two medicinal and aromatic species, Piper gaudichaudianum Kunth and Piper mollicomum Kunth (Piperaceae), for use as experimental models since they show high chemical plasticity in the wild. Leaves from wild specimens of both species, and their respective cultivated specimens, were hydrodistilled in a Clevenger-type apparatus to produce essential oils (EOs). EOs were chemically characterised by GC-MS and GC-FID. The analysis identified 63 compounds in EO of P. mollicomum, which were predominantly monoterpenes, and 59 in EO of P. gaudichaudianum, which were predominantly sesquiterpenes. Evaluation of chemical diversity and oxi-reduction indices showed a loss of chemical homology across the intergenerational cline. Chemometric analysis indicated higher chemical plasticity between wild and intergenerational specimens of P. mollicomum, than for P. gaudichaudianum. EO compounds were significantly less oxidized throughout the generations in both species. Therefore, while clonal heritability is crucial to chemical homology, significant chemical plasticity is likely to occur when cultivated from wild specimens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology and Metabolism)
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13 pages, 1938 KiB  
Article
Remediation Capacity of Different Microalgae in Effluents Derived from the Cigarette Butt Cleaning Process
by Carolina Chiellini, Lorenzo Mariotti, Thais Huarancca Reyes, Eduardo José de Arruda, Gustavo Graciano Fonseca and Lorenzo Guglielminetti
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1770; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131770 - 03 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2367
Abstract
Microalgal-based remediation is an ecofriendly and cost-effective system for wastewater treatment. This study evaluated the capacity of microalgae in the remediation of wastewater from cleaning process of smoked cigarette butts (CB). At laboratory scale, six strains (one from the family Scenedesmaceae, two Chlamydomonas [...] Read more.
Microalgal-based remediation is an ecofriendly and cost-effective system for wastewater treatment. This study evaluated the capacity of microalgae in the remediation of wastewater from cleaning process of smoked cigarette butts (CB). At laboratory scale, six strains (one from the family Scenedesmaceae, two Chlamydomonas debaryana and three Chlorella sorokiniana) were exposed to different CB wastewater dilutions to identify toxicity levels reflected in the alteration of microalgal physiological status and to determine the optimal conditions for an effective removal of contaminants. CB wastewater could impact on microalgal chlorophyll and carotenoid production in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the resistance and remediation capacity did not only depend on the microalgal strain, but also on the chemical characteristics of the organic pollutants. In detail, nicotine was the most resistant pollutant to removal by the microalgae tested and its low removal correlated with the inhibition of photosynthetic pigments affecting microalgal growth. Concerning the optimal conditions for an effective bioremediation, this study demonstrated that the Chlamydomonas strain named F2 showed the best removal capacity to organic pollutants at 5% CB wastewater (corresponding to 25 butts L−1 or 5 g CB L−1) maintaining its growth and photosynthetic pigments at control levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoremediation: New Approaches and Perspectives)
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10 pages, 5005 KiB  
Article
The Modified Brière Equation and Its Applications
by Jun Jin, Brady K. Quinn and Peijian Shi
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1769; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131769 - 03 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1262
Abstract
The Brière equation (BE) is widely used to describe the effect of temperature on the development rate of insects, and it can produce both symmetrical and asymmetrical bell-shaped curves. Because of its elasticity in curve fitting, the integrated form of BE has been [...] Read more.
The Brière equation (BE) is widely used to describe the effect of temperature on the development rate of insects, and it can produce both symmetrical and asymmetrical bell-shaped curves. Because of its elasticity in curve fitting, the integrated form of BE has been recommended for use as a sigmoid growth equation to describe the increase in plant biomass with time. However, the start time of growth predicted by the sigmoid growth equation based on the BE is not completely comparable to empirical crop growth data. In the present study, we modified the BE by adding an additional parameter to further increase its elasticity for data fitting. We termed this new equation the modified Brière equation (MBE). Data for the actual height and biomass of 15 species of plants (with two cultivars for one species) were fit with the sigmoid growth equations based on both the BE and MBE assuming that the growth start time was zero for both. The goodness of fit of the BE and MBE sigmoid growth equations were compared based on their root-mean-square errors and the corresponding absolute percentage error between them when fit to these data. For most species, we found that the MBE sigmoid growth equation achieved a better goodness of fit than the BE sigmoid growth equation. This work provides a useful tool for quantifying the ontogenetic or population growth of plants. Full article
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14 pages, 2821 KiB  
Article
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Monopartite Mastrevirus, Soybean Geminivirus B, Isolated from Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)
by Hoseong Choi, Yeonhwa Jo, Jinsung Hong, Hyunjung Chung, Sooyeon Choi, Sangmin Kim, Jeonghun Lee, Sanghyun Moh, Bongchoon Lee and Won Kyong Cho
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1768; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131768 - 03 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1856
Abstract
Soybean is one of the most important crops in Korea. To identify the viruses infecting soybean, we conducted RNA sequencing with samples displaying symptoms of viral disease. A contig displaying sequence similarity to the known Geminivirus was identified. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) [...] Read more.
Soybean is one of the most important crops in Korea. To identify the viruses infecting soybean, we conducted RNA sequencing with samples displaying symptoms of viral disease. A contig displaying sequence similarity to the known Geminivirus was identified. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using two different pairs of back-to-back primers and rolling circle amplification (RCA) confirmed the complete genome of a novel virus named soybean geminivirus B (SGVB), consisting of a circular monopartite DNA genome measuring 2616 nucleotides (nt) in length. SGVB contains four open reading frames (ORFs) and three intergenic regions (IRs). IR1 includes a nonanucleotide origin of replication in the stem-loop structure. Phylogenetic and BLAST analyses demonstrated that SGVB could be a novel virus belonging to the genus Mastrevirus in the family Geminiviridae. We generated infectious clones for SGVB by adding a copy of the IR1 region of SGVB, comparing the V-ori in addition to the full-length genome of SGVB. Using the infectious clones, we observed chlorosis and leaf curling with a latent infection in the inoculated Nicotiana benthamiana plants, while none of the inoculated soybean plants showed any visible symptoms of disease. This study provides the complete genome sequence and infectious clones of a novel Mastrevirus referred to as SGVB from soybean in Korea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants Viroid/Viruses: Insight into Genome and Epidemiology)
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15 pages, 908 KiB  
Article
Determination of Colchicine in Pharmaceutical Formulations, Traditional Extracts, and Ultrasonication-Based Extracts of Colchicum autumnale Pleniflorum (L.) Using Regular and Greener HPTLC Approaches: A Comparative Evaluation of Validation Parameters
by Mohammed H. Alqarni, Faiyaz Shakeel, Tariq M. Aljarba, Maged S. Abdel-Kader, Hala H. Zaatout, Sultan Alshehri and Prawez Alam
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1767; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131767 - 03 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1807
Abstract
In the literature, there is a scarcity of greener analytical approaches for colchicine (CLH) analysis. As a result, efforts were made in this study to develop and validate a greener reversed-phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) technique for CLH analysis in traditional extracts (TE) [...] Read more.
In the literature, there is a scarcity of greener analytical approaches for colchicine (CLH) analysis. As a result, efforts were made in this study to develop and validate a greener reversed-phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) technique for CLH analysis in traditional extracts (TE) and ultrasonication-based extracts (UBE) of commercial Unani formulations, commercial allopathic formulations, and Colchicum autumnale Pleniflorum (L.) obtained from Egypt and India. This new technique was compared to the regular normal-phase HPTLC method. The greenness profile of both methods was estimated using the Analytical GREENness (AGREE) approach. In the 100–600 and 25–1200 ng/band ranges, regular and greener HPTLC procedures were linear for CLH analysis, respectively. For CLH analysis, the greener HPTLC method was more sensitive, accurate, precise, and robust than the regular HPTLC method. For CLH analysis in TE and UBE of commercial Unani formulations, commercial allopathic formulations, and C. autumnale obtained from Egypt and India, the greener HPTLC method was superior in terms of CLH content compared to the regular HPTLC method. In addition, the UBE procedure was superior to the TE procedure for both methods. The AGREE scores for regular and greener reversed-phase HPTLC methods were found to be 0.46 and 0.75, respectively. The AGREE results showed excellent greener profile of the greener HPTLC method over the regular HPTLC technique. Based on several validation criteria and pharmaceutical assay findings, the greener HPTLC method is regarded as superior to the regular HPTLC approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Analysis)
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17 pages, 3819 KiB  
Review
Amphipterygium adstringens (Schltdl.) Schiede ex Standl (Anacardiaceae): An Endemic Plant with Relevant Pharmacological Properties
by Mireya Sotelo-Barrera, Marcela Cília-García, Mario Luna-Cavazos, José Luis Díaz-Núñez, Angélica Romero-Manzanares, Ramón Marcos Soto-Hernández and Israel Castillo-Juárez
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1766; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131766 - 02 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3790
Abstract
Diseases, such as cancer, peptic ulcers, and diabetes, as well as those caused by drug-resistant infectious agents are examples of some of the world’s major public health problems. Amphipterygium adstringens (Schltdl.) Schiede ex Standl is an endemic tree to Mexico. Its stem bark [...] Read more.
Diseases, such as cancer, peptic ulcers, and diabetes, as well as those caused by drug-resistant infectious agents are examples of some of the world’s major public health problems. Amphipterygium adstringens (Schltdl.) Schiede ex Standl is an endemic tree to Mexico. Its stem bark has been used medicinally since pre-Hispanic times, but in recent decades it has been scientifically proven that it has properties that help counteract some diseases; extracts with organic solvents of the plant are outstanding for their anticancer, gastroprotective, and antimicrobial properties; terpenes and long-chain phenols have been identified as the main active compounds. Currently, overharvesting is causing a sharp reduction in natural populations due to an increase in demand for the stem bark by people seeking to improve their health and by national and transnational companies seeking to market it. Because of the growing interest of the world population and the scientific community, we reviewed recent studies on the bioactive properties of A. adstringens. Through the orderly and critical compendium of the current knowledge of A. adstringens, we provide a reference for future studies aimed at the rational use and protection of this valuable endemic natural resource. Full article
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19 pages, 2110 KiB  
Article
A New Method for Rapid Subcellular Localization and Gene Function Analysis in Cotton Based on Barley Stripe Mosaic Virus
by Weiwei Chen, Chaolin Huang, Chenmeng Luo, Yongshan Zhang, Bin Zhang, Zhengqing Xie, Mengyuan Hao, Hua Ling, Gangqiang Cao, Baoming Tian, Fang Wei and Gongyao Shi
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1765; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131765 - 01 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2123
Abstract
The difficulty of genetic transformation has restricted research on functional genomics in cotton. Thus, a rapid and efficient method for gene overexpression that does not rely on genetic transformation is needed. Virus-based vectors offer a reasonable alternative for protein expression, as viruses can [...] Read more.
The difficulty of genetic transformation has restricted research on functional genomics in cotton. Thus, a rapid and efficient method for gene overexpression that does not rely on genetic transformation is needed. Virus-based vectors offer a reasonable alternative for protein expression, as viruses can infect the host systemically to achieve expression and replication without transgene integration. Previously, a novel four-component barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) was reported to overexpress large fragments of target genes in plants over a long period of time, which greatly simplified the study of gene overexpression. However, whether this system can infect cotton and stably overexpress target genes has not yet been studied. In this study, we verified that this new BSMV system can infect cotton through seed imbibition and systemically overexpress large fragments of genes (up to 2340 bp) in cotton. The target gene that was fused with GFP was expressed at a high level in the roots, stems, and cotyledons of cotton seedlings, and stable fluorescence signals were detected in the cotton roots and leaves even after 4 weeks. Based on the BSMV overexpression system, the subcellular localization marker line of endogenous proteins localized in the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, plasma membrane, Golgi body, mitochondria, peroxisomes, tonoplast, and plastids were quickly established. The overexpression of a cotton Bile Acid Sodium Symporter GhBASS5 using the BSMV system indicated that GhBASS5 negatively regulated salt tolerance in cotton by transporting Na+ from underground to the shoots. Furthermore, multiple proteins were co-delivered, enabling co-localization and the study of protein–protein interactions through co-transformation. We also confirmed that the BSMV system can be used to conduct DNA-free gene editing in cotton by delivering split-SpCas9/sgRNA. Ultimately, the present work demonstrated that this BSMV system could be used as an efficient overexpression system for future cotton gene function research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotechnology for Cotton Improvement)
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15 pages, 2793 KiB  
Article
Photosynthetic Variability of Oblačinska Sour Cherry Ecotypes under Drought
by Marija Viljevac Vuletić, Daniela Horvat, Ines Mihaljević, Krunoslav Dugalić, Domagoj Šimić, Tihomir Čupić, Vlatka Jurković and Hrvoje Lepeduš
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1764; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131764 - 01 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1341
Abstract
The selection of drought-tolerant sour cherry genotypes is essential for developing sustainable fruit production in today’s climate-change conditions. The phenotypic heterogenic population of sour cherry Oblačinska, with high and regular yield suitable for mechanical harvesting and industrial processing, is a traditional and predominant [...] Read more.
The selection of drought-tolerant sour cherry genotypes is essential for developing sustainable fruit production in today’s climate-change conditions. The phenotypic heterogenic population of sour cherry Oblačinska, with high and regular yield suitable for mechanical harvesting and industrial processing, is a traditional and predominant cultivar in northern Croatia (Pannonian region) and Serbia commercial orchards. In this context, 2-year old virus-free sour cherry plants of 4 isolated Oblačinska sour cherry ecotypes (OS, 18, D6, and BOR) produced by micropropagation were exposed to severe drought in a greenhouse under semi-controlled conditions to evaluate its photosynthetic intra-varietal variability. Relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF), and photosynthetic pigments were evaluated during the ten days of the experiment. As a visible symptom of stress, the withering of plants was followed by a diminution of RWC and photosynthetic pigments in the drought exposed leaves of sour cherry ecotypes compared to the control treatment. ChlF elucidated variability in the photosynthetic efficiency within studied sour cherry ecotypes, highlighting PIABS, PItotal, and ψE0 as the most sensitive and thus the most informative JIP parameters for drought screening. Among the investigated ecotypes, BOR proved to be the most sensitive. The Oblačinska sour cherry ecotype OS showed the highest tolerance to drought conditions and, therefore, can be used as a source of tolerance in sour cherry breeding programs. Full article
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16 pages, 3897 KiB  
Article
COS-OGA Applications in Organic Vineyard Manage Major Airborne Diseases and Maintain Postharvest Quality of Wine Grapes
by Francesca Calderone, Alessandro Vitale, Salvina Panebianco, Monia Federica Lombardo and Gabriella Cirvilleri
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1763; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131763 - 01 Jul 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1855
Abstract
In most wine-growing countries of the world the interest for organic viticulture and eco-friendly grape production processes increased significantly in the last decade. Organic viticulture is currently dependent on the availability of Cu and S compounds, but their massive use over time has [...] Read more.
In most wine-growing countries of the world the interest for organic viticulture and eco-friendly grape production processes increased significantly in the last decade. Organic viticulture is currently dependent on the availability of Cu and S compounds, but their massive use over time has led to negative effects on environment health. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative and sustainable treatments against powdery mildew, gray mold and sour rot under the field conditions on Nero d’Avola and Inzolia Sicilian cultivars. In detail, the efficacy of COS-OGA, composed by a complex of oligochitosans and oligopectates, and its effects in combination with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were evaluated to reduce airborne disease infections of grape. COS-OGA combined with AMF induced a significant reduction in powdery mildew severity both on Nero d’Avola and Inzolia with a mean percentage decrease of about 15% and 33%, respectively. Moreover, COS-OGA alone and combined with AMF gave a good protection against gray mold and sour rot with results similar to the Cu–S complex (performance in disease reduction ranging from 65 to 100%) on tested cultivars. Similarly, the COS-OGA and AMF integration provided good performances in enhancing average yield and did not negatively impact quality and microbial communities of wine grape. Overall, COS-OGA alone and in combination could be proposed as a valid and safer option for the sustainable management of the main grapevine pathogens in organic agroecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology and Control of Plant Diseases)
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20 pages, 5511 KiB  
Article
The Hidden Potential of High-Throughput RNA-Seq Re-Analysis, a Case Study for DHDPS, Key Enzyme of the Aspartate-Derived Lysine Biosynthesis Pathway and Its Role in Abiotic and Biotic Stress Responses in Soybean
by Raphaël Kiekens, Ramon de Koning, Mary Esther Muyoka Toili and Geert Angenon
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1762; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131762 - 01 Jul 2022
Viewed by 1827
Abstract
DHDPS is a key enzyme in the aspartate-derived lysine biosynthesis pathway and an evident object of study for biofortification strategies in plants. DHDPS isoforms with novel regulatory properties in Medicago truncatula were demonstrated earlier and hypothesized to be involved in abiotic and biotic [...] Read more.
DHDPS is a key enzyme in the aspartate-derived lysine biosynthesis pathway and an evident object of study for biofortification strategies in plants. DHDPS isoforms with novel regulatory properties in Medicago truncatula were demonstrated earlier and hypothesized to be involved in abiotic and biotic stress responses. Here, we present a phylogenetic analysis of the DHPDS gene family in land plants which establishes the existence of a legume-specific class of DHDPS, termed DHDPS B-type, distinguishable from the DHDPS A-type commonly present in all land plants. The G. max genome comprises two A-type DHDPS genes (Gm.DHDPS-A1; Glyma.09G268200, Gm.DHDPS-A2; Glyma.18G221700) and one B-type (Gm.DHDPS-B; Glyma.03G022300). To further investigate the expression pattern of the G. max DHDPS isozymes in different plant tissues and under various stress conditions, 461 RNA-seq experiments were exploited and re-analyzed covering two expression atlases, 13 abiotic and 5 biotic stress studies. Gm.DHDPS-B is seen almost exclusively expressed in roots and nodules in addition to old cotyledons or senescent leaves while both DHDPS A-types are expressed constitutively in all tissues analyzed with the highest expression in mature seeds. Furthermore, Gm.DHDPS-B expression is significantly upregulated in some but not all stress responses including salt stress, flooding, ethylene or infection with Phytophthora sojae and coincides with downregulation of DHDPS A-types. In conclusion, we demonstrate the potential of an in-depth RNA-seq re-analysis for the guidance of future experiments and to expand on current knowledge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)
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14 pages, 3112 KiB  
Article
Potential Distribution of and Sensitivity Analysis for Urochloa panicoides Weed Using Modeling: An Implication of Invasion Risk Analysis for China and Europe
by Tayna Sousa Duque, Ricardo Siqueira da Silva, Josiane Costa Maciel, Daniel Valadão Silva, Bruno Caio Chaves Fernandes, Aurélio Paes Barros Júnior and José Barbosa dos Santos
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1761; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131761 - 01 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1635
Abstract
Urochloapanicoides P. Beauv. is considered one of the most harmful weeds in the United States and Australia. It is invasive in Pakistan, Mexico, and Brazil, but its occurrence is hardly reported in China and European countries. Species distribution models enable the measurement [...] Read more.
Urochloapanicoides P. Beauv. is considered one of the most harmful weeds in the United States and Australia. It is invasive in Pakistan, Mexico, and Brazil, but its occurrence is hardly reported in China and European countries. Species distribution models enable the measurement of the impact of climate change on plant growth, allowing for risk analysis, effective management, and invasion prevention. The objective of this study was to develop current and future climate models of suitable locations for U. panicoides and to determine the most influential climatic parameters. Occurrence data and biological information on U. panicoides were collected, and climatic parameters were used to generate the Ecoclimatic Index (EI) and to perform sensitivity analysis. The future projections for 2050, 2080, and 2100 were modeled under the A2 SRES scenario using the Global Climate Model, CSIRO-Mk3.0 (CS). The potential distribution of U. panicoides coincided with the data collected, and the reliability of the final model was demonstrated. The generated model identified regions where the occurrence was favorable, despite few records of the species. Sensitivity analysis showed that the most sensitive parameters of the model were related to temperature, humidity, and cold stress. Future projections predict reductions in climate suitability for U. panicoides in Brazil, Australia, India, and Africa, and an increase in suitability in Mexico, the United States, European countries, and China. The rise in suitability of China and Europe is attributed to predicted climate change, including reduction in cold stress. From the results obtained, preventive management strategies can be formulated against the spread of U. panicoides, avoiding economic and biodiversity losses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology)
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11 pages, 5015 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of CsCaM/CML Gene Family in Response to Low-Temperature and Salt Stresses in Chrysanthemum seticuspe
by Manman Fu, Chao Wu, Xia Li, Xiaoyu Ding and Fangqi Guo
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1760; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131760 - 01 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1794
Abstract
Calmodulin (CaM) and calmodulin-like proteins (CML) act as significant Ca2+ sensors binding Ca2+ with EF-hand motifs and have been reported to be involved in various environmental stresses in plants. In this study, calmodulin CsCaM/CML gene family members were identified based on [...] Read more.
Calmodulin (CaM) and calmodulin-like proteins (CML) act as significant Ca2+ sensors binding Ca2+ with EF-hand motifs and have been reported to be involved in various environmental stresses in plants. In this study, calmodulin CsCaM/CML gene family members were identified based on the genome of Chrysanthemum seticuspe published recently; a phylogenetic tree was constructed; gene structures and chromosomal locations of CsCaM/CML were depicted; cis-acting regulatory elements were predicted; collinearity and duplicate events of CaM/CML were analyzed using MCScanX software; and the expression levels of CsCaM/CML in response to abiotic stress were analyzed, based on the published RNA-seq data. We identified 86 CsCaM/CML (4 CsCaMs and 82 CsCMLs) genes in total. Promoter sequences of CsCaM/CML contained elements related to abiotic stresses (including low-temperature and anaerobic stresses) and plant hormones (including abscisic acid (ABA), MeJA, and salicylic acid). CsCaM/CML genes were distributed on nine chromosomes unevenly. Collinearity analysis indicated that recent segmental duplications significantly enlarged the scale of the CML family in C. seticuspe. Four CsCMLs (CsCML14, CsCML50, CsCML65, and CsCML79) were statistically differentially regulated under low-temperature and salt stress compared with those in the normal condition. These results indicate diverse roles of CsCaM/CML in plant development and in response to environmental stimuli in C. seticuspe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Plants' Defense Mechanisms against Abiotic Stresses)
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12 pages, 41568 KiB  
Review
The Status of Genetic Resources and Olive Breeding in Tunisia
by Olfa Saddoud Debbabi, Fathi Ben Amar, Sameh Mnasri Rahmani, Francesca Taranto, Cinzia Montemurro and Monica Marilena Miazzi
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1759; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131759 - 01 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3472
Abstract
The olive tree, an iconic symbol of the Mediterranean basin, is the object of growing international interest in the production of olive oil for the world food market. In Tunisia, which is the fourth-largest producer of olive oil in the world, the production [...] Read more.
The olive tree, an iconic symbol of the Mediterranean basin, is the object of growing international interest in the production of olive oil for the world food market. In Tunisia, which is the fourth-largest producer of olive oil in the world, the production of olives and olive oil is of great socio-economic importance. Cultivation is widespread from north to south, but it is carried out using traditional techniques that results in extremely irregular production levels. To maintain their competitiveness on the international market, Tunisian producers must improve the quality of the oil through breeding plans that enhance the rich genetic heritage that is still not adequately exploited. The objective of this review is to present the state of olive breeding in Tunisia, illustrating the opportunities available for a better use of the rich Tunisian genetic heritage, the challenges it must face, and the need to multiply the efforts for sustainability, even in the light of the challenges posed by climate changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Olive Breeding)
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14 pages, 1833 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Agricultural Traits, Phytochemical Contents, and Antioxidant Activities in the Leaves of Amaranth Accessions of Nine Species
by Weilan Li, Eunae Yoo, SooKyeong Lee, Hyung Jun Noh, So Jeong Hwang, Kebede Taye Desta and Gi-An Lee
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1758; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131758 - 01 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1537
Abstract
Amaranthus species are widely cultivated as dietary crops and are promising sources of phytochemical compounds with antioxidant properties. To explore Amaranthus as a potential medical resource, 289 accessions (nine species) were cultivated, and their agricultural characteristics, total phenolic content (TPC), rutin contents, and [...] Read more.
Amaranthus species are widely cultivated as dietary crops and are promising sources of phytochemical compounds with antioxidant properties. To explore Amaranthus as a potential medical resource, 289 accessions (nine species) were cultivated, and their agricultural characteristics, total phenolic content (TPC), rutin contents, and antioxidant activities [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)] were studied. Wide variations in agricultural traits, phytochemical contents, and antioxidant activities were observed between the accessions and across species. The effects of agricultural traits were evaluated, and the results indicated that yellow-flowered amaranth genotypes could be important because of their high values of TPC, rutin contents, DPPH, and ABTS. In addition, leaf length, days until 50% flowering, days until 50% heading and days until maturity, showed positive correlations with TPC, rutin contents, DPPH, and ABTS. The whole dataset was subjected to principal component analysis, and distinctive aggregation was observed across the Amaranthus species. In total, 289 accessions were clustered into three groups, and seven genotypes were determined as being good medical resources due to their high phytochemical content and antioxidant activities. Our findings provide important information for the development of new varieties with high phytochemical contents and high levels of antioxidant activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants)
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12 pages, 1320 KiB  
Review
Advances in the Micropropagation and Genetic Transformation of Agave Species
by Erika Bautista-Montes, Laura Hernández-Soriano and June Simpson
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1757; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131757 - 01 Jul 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3136
Abstract
The Agave genus is composed of approximately 210 species distributed from south United States to Colombia and Venezuela. Numerous Agave species have been used for the preparation of alcoholic beverages and have attracted interest in the pharmaceutical and food industry. Despite their economic [...] Read more.
The Agave genus is composed of approximately 210 species distributed from south United States to Colombia and Venezuela. Numerous Agave species have been used for the preparation of alcoholic beverages and have attracted interest in the pharmaceutical and food industry. Despite their economic importance, there are few initiatives for the improvement and selection of characteristics of interest. This is mainly due to its morphology, long lifecycles, and monocarpic nature. Micropropagation is a feasible alternative to the improvement of Agave species. It has been used for multiple purposes, including massive propagation, induction of somaclonal variation to enhance agronomic characteristics of interest, maintenance of specific genotypes, and genetic transformation using molecular techniques. In this report, we summarize the most outstanding findings regarding the micropropagation of Agave species mediated by multiple regeneration responses. We also describe the media and growth regulators for each of the previously described methods. In addition, we discuss how micropropagation has allowed the development of transformation protocols. Exploitation of this technology may be a feasible strategy to introduce genes and improve certain traits. Genetic transformation also offers an opportunity for studying molecular mechanisms. This represents advantages for optimizing production in the field and for implementing breeding programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources and Breeding of Agave)
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15 pages, 1085 KiB  
Review
Metabolome Profiling: A Breeding Prediction Tool for Legume Performance under Biotic Stress Conditions
by Penny Makhumbila, Molemi Rauwane, Hangwani Muedi and Sandiswa Figlan
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1756; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131756 - 01 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2450
Abstract
Legume crops such as common bean, pea, alfalfa, cowpea, peanut, soybean and others contribute significantly to the diet of both humans and animals. They are also important in the improvement of cropping systems that employ rotation and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Biotic stresses hinder [...] Read more.
Legume crops such as common bean, pea, alfalfa, cowpea, peanut, soybean and others contribute significantly to the diet of both humans and animals. They are also important in the improvement of cropping systems that employ rotation and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Biotic stresses hinder the production of leguminous crops, significantly limiting their yield potential. There is a need to understand the molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved in the response of these crops to biotic stressors. Simultaneous expressions of a number of genes responsible for specific traits of interest in legumes under biotic stress conditions have been reported, often with the functions of the identified genes unknown. Metabolomics can, therefore, be a complementary tool to understand the pathways involved in biotic stress response in legumes. Reports on legume metabolomic studies in response to biotic stress have paved the way in understanding stress-signalling pathways. This review provides a progress update on metabolomic studies of legumes in response to different biotic stresses. Metabolome annotation and data analysis platforms are discussed together with future prospects. The integration of metabolomics with other “omics” tools in breeding programmes can aid greatly in ensuring food security through the production of stress tolerant cultivars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology and Control of Plant Diseases)
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19 pages, 2218 KiB  
Article
Insights from a Multi-Omics Integration (MOI) Study in Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Response to Abiotic Stresses: Part One—Salinity
by Cleiton Barroso Bittencourt, Thalliton Luiz Carvalho da Silva, Jorge Cândido Rodrigues Neto, Letícia Rios Vieira, André Pereira Leão, José Antônio de Aquino Ribeiro, Patrícia Verardi Abdelnur, Carlos Antônio Ferreira de Sousa and Manoel Teixeira Souza, Jr.
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1755; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131755 - 30 Jun 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2950
Abstract
Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is the number one source of consumed vegetable oil nowadays. It is cultivated in areas of tropical rainforest, where it meets its natural condition of high rainfall throughout the year. The palm oil industry faces criticism due [...] Read more.
Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is the number one source of consumed vegetable oil nowadays. It is cultivated in areas of tropical rainforest, where it meets its natural condition of high rainfall throughout the year. The palm oil industry faces criticism due to a series of practices that was considered not environmentally sustainable, and it finds itself under pressure to adopt new and innovative procedures to reverse this negative public perception. Cultivating this oilseed crop outside the rainforest zone is only possible using artificial irrigation. Close to 30% of the world’s irrigated agricultural lands also face problems due to salinity stress. Consequently, the research community must consider drought and salinity together when studying to empower breeding programs in order to develop superior genotypes adapted to those potential new areas for oil palm cultivation. Multi-Omics Integration (MOI) offers a new window of opportunity for the non-trivial challenge of unraveling the mechanisms behind multigenic traits, such as drought and salinity tolerance. The current study carried out a comprehensive, large-scale, single-omics analysis (SOA), and MOI study on the leaves of young oil palm plants submitted to very high salinity stress. Taken together, a total of 1239 proteins were positively regulated, and 1660 were negatively regulated in transcriptomics and proteomics analyses. Meanwhile, the metabolomics analysis revealed 37 metabolites that were upregulated and 92 that were downregulated. After performing SOA, 436 differentially expressed (DE) full-length transcripts, 74 DE proteins, and 19 DE metabolites underwent MOI analysis, revealing several pathways affected by this stress, with at least one DE molecule in all three omics platforms used. The Cysteine and methionine metabolism (map00270) and Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis (map00010) pathways were the most affected ones, each one with 20 DE molecules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Responses to Environmental Stresses)
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